Wound closure is the surgical procedure used by a doctor to correct the closing of a severe wound or burn that interferes with the patient’s mobility or has an unaesthetically pleasing appearance. There are four main techniques: skin graft, microsurgery, free-flap procedure, and tissue expansion. Severe wounds will also require dead tissue removal before the correction.
When is wound closure recommended?
Wound closure is recommended when the patient is unhappy with a severe burn or wound healing, mostly due to scarring. The scarring can cause the patient to have limited mobility, lose sensation in the affected area, and have an unappealing look. All of these factors can negatively impact the patient’s quality of life and wound closure is the solution for the patient to regain mobility, sensation, and self-confidence.
What are the types of wound closure?
Skin grafts – this technique is popular for use in patients affected by burns. It involves removing skin from one area of the body and transplanting it to another to cover a wound to improve the area’s function and appearance. The skin graft is typically taken from any area hidden by normal clothing such as the buttocks or inner thigh. Recovery will depend on the thickness of the skin graft and averages three weeks.
Tissue expansion – This technique allows the body to grow extra skin that can then be used in reconstructive procedures. The goal is reached by inserting a balloon-like instrument under the skin, this instrument is called an expander. Over time, the saline solution will be gradually inserted into the balloon to cause it to grow along with the skin covering it. Once the skin has grown enough, it can be used in the reconstruction or correction of the damaged part. This procedure is very common in breast reconstruction.
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